Cervical osteochondrosis in women

Cervical osteochondrosis in women is a common disease. Representatives of the fair sex over the age of 30 are the most sensitive to it. 75% of women are faced with this unpleasant ailment, while the consequences and severity of the disease can be completely different.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women

Symptoms of female osteochondrosis can be detected already at the initial stage, since the discs of the cervical spine are located close to each other and have a small height. Cervical osteochondrosis can cause serious consequences - complications and even death. In fact, the arteries pass through the neck region that feeds the brain, nerve trunks and roots that have a connection with the lungs, arms and heart, as well as the spinal cord. Therefore, you should not postpone treatment with a good doctor.

In order for a woman to recognize cervical osteochondrosis, she must pay attention to the following signs:

• During the rotation of the head, crunches in the neck and unpleasant painful sensations occur;
• Frequent recurring occipital and temporal headache;
• Shooting pains radiating to the neck;
• Rapid fatigue, weakness and fatigue;
• High temperature;
• Severe stiffness in the neck, difficult to turn the head;
• Unpleasant shoulder pain occurs when the arm is lightly loaded or when coughing;
• Numbness and tingling in the limbs and tongue;
• Vertigo, darkening of the eyes;
• Snoring in your sleep;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Unreasonable anxiety, fear;
• cycle-independent mood swings;
• Sleep disturbances;
• Severe impairment of memory and attention;
• Jumps in blood pressure (increase or decrease);
• Pain in the heart region, hearing problems and ringing in the ears, vision complications are much less common.
• Nausea, vomiting;
• The skin takes on a bluish tint.

Cervical osteochondrosis can cause fever and poor health.

Important!Particularly acute cervical osteochondrosis is experienced by women in the climacteric period.

Characteristics of female osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disorder of the musculoskeletal system, as a result of which the intervertebral discs and joints can collapse. Due to the structural features of the body, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women are more pronounced than in men. The fact is that the shoulder region of men is wider, it supports the entire spine, helping not to overload the neck.

The female cervical spine is characterized by high activity and the presence of a large number of nerve fibers that act as conductors between the brain and other organs. The deformation of the intervertebral discs causes rapid pressure on the roots of the fibers of the nerve endings. Put simply, women have more fragile vertebrae and thinner bone.

Important!Pregnancy followed by childcare also aggravates the problem. During pregnancy, the load on the spine increases, and breastfeeding in an uncomfortable position and constant carrying of the baby in the arms provoke an exacerbation of the disease.

There are several stages in the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

1. Decreased position of the spine due to dehydration of the nucleus pulposus (the interior of the intervertebral disc, which should normally be filled with semifluid and gelatinous tissue).
2. The muscles and ligaments sag, which is the cause of the imbalance, i. e. the displacement of the vertebrae.
3. Protrusion of the intervertebral discs (towards the outside of their contents) and arthrosis.
4. The human body is trying to help the spine put the "free" vertebrae back into place, remove the support and protective barriers. For this, osteophytes appear on the vertebrae - bone growths. Fibrous tissue also grows. As a result, the motor segment of the spine is located in a kind of shell that interferes with activity.

Causes of the disease in women

The occurrence of cervical osteochondrosis in women is thought to be associated with salt deposits, but this is not the case. Osteochondrosis itself is the main cause of salt deposits. Scientists claim that there are many reasons for the appearance of cervical osteochondrosis. Let's consider the main ones:

• Climax. The fact is that the progesterone entering the body becomes less and less, and the muscles in the cervical region also decrease. All this leads to a weakening of the spinal section;
• Weakened immune system, frequent illnesses;
• Overweight;
• Circulatory disorders;
• Vertebral artery abnormalities that arose against the background of birth trauma, infections and heredity;
• Sedentary work, especially at the computer;
• Flat feet;
• Incorrect posture;
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption;
• Excessive exercise;
• Heavy load of the spine during pregnancy;
• Incorrect and unbalanced diet;
• Poor metabolism, metabolic problems;
• Any damage to the neck;
• Rheumatism or injury;
• Hormonal disorders in the body;
• Hypothermia;
• Inheritance.

Excess weight increases the stress on the ligaments and joints and also leads to problems with the cardiovascular system.

Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?

Lack of care can lead a woman to disability. If you don't start osteochondrosis treatment on time, there is a risk of complications, from mild to severe:

1. Constant pain in the head, dizziness.
2. Regular and sudden loss of consciousness.
3. Hearing and vision problems.
4. Blood circulation in the brain region will be impaired.
5. Frequent increase in blood pressure.
6. Central nervous system problems may arise: impaired speech, coordination and behavior.
7. Radiculitis and other back diseases.
8. The vessels will be squeezed in the brain section.
9. Displacement of the vertebrae.
10. Disturbance in walking due to spinal stenosis.
11. Hernias and intervertebral protrusions.
12. Schmorl's hernia.

An increase in blood pressure in osteochondrosis may be associated with poor blood permeability in the arteries to the brain. Pinched arteries occur due to osteochondrosis.

Examination and treatment

Cervical osteochondrosis has many symptoms common with other diseases, therefore, before treatment, the neuropathologist listens carefully to the patient and collects an anamnesis.

Next, the diagnostic tests are run:

• Radiography. Using an x-ray of the cervical spine, the doctor determines the location of the disease. In the photo, you will see a change in the shape of the vertebral segment, the presence of osteophytes and a narrowing of the intervertebral discs.
• Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.Today these are the most effective ways to find out what defects exist and where they are in the spine.
• Myelography.For the examination, a contrast fluid is injected into the canal of the spinal cord. The procedure is unsafe - the patient may develop allergies and there is a risk of spinal cord injury if the puncture is unsuccessful. However, with cervical osteochondrosis, such a study is rarely performed, unless it is necessary to view the entire spine.

MRI will help diagnose and accurately determine the degree of development of the pathology.

To cure cervical osteochondrosis, the doctor prescribes complex treatment. The goals of therapy are to relieve muscle spasms, relieve pain and reduce intradiscal pressure. At different stages of the development of the disease, different types of therapy are used.

Typically, the treatment goes through stages:

1. Medication.Restoration of cartilage tissue using chondroprotectors. Vasodilator drugs are used for the blood supply to the brain. All of the above will eliminate inflammation, pain syndrome and improve metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs. As first aid, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of a gel or tablet are used. They can prescribe nootropics and drugs with magnesium. With osteochondrosis, you can take sedatives, as a long-term illness can cause stress and depression. Sometimes it is enough to drink a tincture of motherwort or valerian.
2. Physiotherapy.Aimed at eliminating ailments in the affected areas of the spine, relieving pain syndromes, improving blood circulation. A good massage from a competent specialist, electrophoresis with anesthetic solutions and laser therapy can help in the initial stages of the development of the disease. The procedures relieve muscle tension and stimulate blood circulation. In severe cases, magnetotherapy, diadynamic currents, ultrasound, electroanalgesia and ultraviolet light are used. Physiotherapy takes effect after the 3rd procedure, the general condition improves, insomnia, headache and ringing in the ears disappear.
3. Manual therapy.The treatment has good efficacy and grateful reviews. A chiropractor will return the vertebrae to their place in several sessions, providing them with the correct mobility and posture.
4. Acupuncture.It is also called reflexology. The goal is to influence dystrophic transformations in muscle tissues, eliminate inflammation and pain and normalize blood circulation. Women with a low pain score have a good chance of recovery, their lymph flow is accelerated, and their blood flow normalizes.
5. Orthopedic treatment.The specialist will prescribe special sleeping pillows to relieve the spine. Underwater traction of the spine (traction) is also recommended to relax the muscles from the action of hot water. Traction involves the use of various devices to widen the intervertebral space.

6. Correct and clean feeding.By providing the body with healthy fats, carbohydrates and proteins, as well as minerals and vitamins, a woman can greatly speed up the healing process.
7. Physical activity.The doctor can prescribe both physiotherapy exercises and special exercises for the cervical spine. Physical education is aimed at restoring the mobility of the neck-neck area and the blood supply. Corrects posture and strengthens the muscular corset. Also, regular exercise, such as in the gym, will prevent cervical osteochondrosis from progressing.
8. Wear a brace.There is a special device for the cervical spine called a collar. It is rigid and stable. Wearing a collar will eliminate pain syndromes, improve posture and speed up recovery.

When choosing a collar, you need to choose the correct height of the product. To do this, it is necessary to measure the distance from the collarbone to the corner of the lower jaw.

Home care

In order for the disease not to manifest itself or to be diagnosed early on, a woman must closely monitor her health, diet and lifestyle.

To relieve the condition, at home, you can use folk recipes:

1. Grate the peeled potatoes on a fine grater, add a small amount of honey and mix. The resulting mixture should be applied to the cervical spine, in the place where it hurts the most. Repeat the treatment once a week.
2. Rinse the horseradish leaves and apply to the affected area. Secure the compress with a bandage and sleep with it all night. You can usually feel relief and improvement in the morning. For greater effect, the procedure must be repeated for 3 days or more.

Cervical gymnastics should be performed to strengthen the neck muscles and restore the mobility of the spine. Exercises can be done for prophylaxis, but you should practice smoothly and without sudden movements so that no muscle spasms occur:

1. Bend forward.Sitting, place a palm on your forehead and tilt your head forward resisting with your palm. One inclination - 10 seconds. After a short rest, repeat the exercise.
2. Tilt to the side.Sitting, place a palm on your head in the temple area. Tilt your head to the side as you press it with the palm of your hand, resisting. Continue for 10 seconds. After resting, repeat the exercise.
3. Turns sideways.Sitting in a chair or standing, lower your arms to your torso. Gently turn your head to the far right, then to the far left. Repeat 10 times.
4. Shrug your shoulders.Sitting or standing, the arms are lowered along the body, raise the shoulders as much as possible and hold them in this position for 10 seconds. Then, lower your shoulders, take a deep breath, relax for 15 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
5. Tilt towards your chest.Sitting or standing, the arms are lowered along the body. Gently lower your head, trying to press your chin against your chest as much as possible. With good mobility of the cervical vertebrae, you can feel the thoracic notch with your chin. Repeat about 10 times.
6. Touching ear to shoulder.Tilt your head back. Try to touch the left ear with the left shoulder, repeat 5 times. Do the same with the right side.
7. Tilt down.Release your chin around your neck. Turn your head 7 times to the left, then 7 times to the right.
8. Resistance of the neck muscles.Throw your head back, but not completely. Slowly press your chin against your chest, overcoming the resistance of the muscles of the cervical region. Do this 5-7 times.
9. Move your arms.It is necessary to make circular movements with both hands in one direction, then in the other.
10. Massage.Sitting or lying down, massage the area between the occipital bone and its soft part, in the area of ​​the conditional junction of the head and neck, alone or with the help of someone else. The impact should be strong enough, perform within 4 minutes.

Important!In case of cervical osteochondrosis, in no case should you make circular movements with your head, as this can cause injury.

Prevention

1. Doctors say that prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should also take place in utero, during the development of the embryo. The expectant mother is obliged to exclude risk factors associated with future fetal diseases, monitor her health in order to prevent intrauterine infections, hypoxia and poisoning.
2. Both mother and father should monitor the baby's injuries and consult a doctor in time for diagnosis in order to rule out possible complications in the future.
3. It is very important for girls and adult women to pay attention to the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis, for this it is worthwhile to change your lifestyle. You have to start walking a lot, take at least 10 thousand steps a day, gradually increasing the time spent walking. If the work activity is associated with a sedentary lifestyle, it is necessary to do simple exercises for the employees directly at the table, as well as getting up, warming up and walking every hour. Sit in a chair with a high back and headrest. It is also important to avoid excessively soft furnishings as the body must be supported by the ischial tubercles.
4. When driving a car, it is important that your back has good support, you can put a roller between your lower back and the seat. Try to keep your head straight and sit relaxed.
5. It is harmful to be in the same position in front of a computer screen and a TV screen. From time to time, it is necessary to change positions so that the muscles can flex.
6. For those suffering from cervical osteochondrosis, it is best, if possible, to carry out household chores such as ironing or cooking while seated.
7. To prevent osteochondrosis, it is necessary to prevent excessive stress on the spine and cervical spine. Bags and packages must be carried with both hands or alternatively. When working in the garden and vegetable garden, every 1, 5 hours it is necessary to take a break of 20 minutes and rest, preferably in a horizontal position.
8. To soften the shock when walking, you need to choose comfortable or orthopedic shoes with elastic soles.

9. In the cold season, a woman should protect the neck-neck area from hypothermia with a scarf and a hat.
10. The sleeping mattress needs to be firm and you can also place a pillow under your lower back, knee joint or under your stomach, depending on the position.
11. For the prevention of osteochondrosis, a general strengthening massage course is worth taking. It will help prevent the onset of the disease, as well as cure it at the initial stage.
12. It is important for a woman to cope with stress and monitor psycho-stability, because a nerve shock can cause damage to the cervical spine.
13. To prevent the disease, it is important to eat food that is good for the spine, to synthesize its cartilage tissue. Proteins, mucopolysaccharides, minerals, vitamins can be obtained from meat, legumes, nuts, vegetables, jelly, fish, eggs, cottage cheese.

When choosing a mattress that is suitable for you, you should take into account many factors, for example: complexion, height, weight, filler and, most importantly, the degree of development of osteochondrosis.

Important!Swimming in a swimming pool or pond will be a very useful activity for women with cervical osteochondrosis. But it is better to refuse a bath and sauna during an exacerbation.

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of all women, the problem of which is a sedentary lifestyle. These are many professions: accountants, cashiers, seamstresses, musicians, writers and others. In the period of remission of the disease, it will be useful for women to visit sanatoriums and resorts, where they can strengthen the muscles of the neck, the vascular system and heal the body. A timely visit to a doctor is the key to successful recovery.